Cardinals Split Doubleheader Against Westmoreland

Westmoreland, PA – The Cardinals split a doubleheader on Saturday against the Westmoreland Wolfpack. After a tough loss in Game 1, the Cardinals bounced back for a huge win in Game 2.

Game 1

Game 1 started off on the right foot for Catonsville after a first inning run to put them ahead. However, the lead was short-lived after a six-run bottom of the first for Westmoreland. The Cardinals were able to get some of those runs back with a three-run fourth inning, but the early deficit was too much for the Cardinals to overcome. They lost Game 1 by a score of 6-4.

After the tough first inning, starting pitcher A.J Bender did a nice job salvaging his outing. He went on to throw 3.1 scoreless innings after the first, finishing with seven strikeouts on the day. Bryson Prietz did a nice job in relief for the Cardinals, throwing 1.2 scoreless innings while striking out two batters.

It was a tough first game for the offenses, with both teams combining for just 11 total hits. Nelson Grajales was 2-4 with an RBI for the Cardinals, representing the lone multi-hit performance for Catonsville.

The Wolfpack didn't have any players with multiple hits, but Wyatt Nehls delivered the big blow with a bases clearing double in the first inning. Starting pitcher Elliot Sterner was the key-catalyst in Game 1, holding down the Catonsville offense. He pitched seven innings allowing four runs (zero earned runs) while striking out five batters and getting the win.

Game 2

Game 2 was a completely different story for the Cardinals. They jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. In the first inning, Catonsville gave Westmoreland a taste of their own medicine, putting up five runs out of the gate. They went on to add three more in the third, one in the fourth, two in the fifth, and two in the seventh to win 13-2.

The Cardinals received contributions throughout their entire lineup in Game 2. Nelson Grajales had another big game, tallying three hits, three runs scored, and an RBI. Sam Kelley and Jake Long also got on base three times each, while Nick Colimodio, Nick Midili, and Joey Hurtado all drove in multiple runs.

The pitching staff dominated in this one as well. Joel Tapia Melo gave a solid outing, going four innings while striking out six and allowing just two runs. Dominick Venta came on in relief and was nearly perfect, pitching three shutout innings while striking out eight batters and allowing just one hit.